Mintz On Air

Honest workplace conversations are rarely easy, but avoiding them can create bigger challenges over time. In this episode of Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, host Jen Rubin speaks with Celia Eckert, General Counsel at Xencor, about how candid feedback, curiosity, and empathy can strengthen workplace trust. Their conversation explores: How feedback timing promotes receptivity How curiosity improves performance conversations and builds workplace trust How to focus on positive aspects of performance while still encouraging improvement Do you advise on, manage, or lead sensitive workplace conversations? This episode offers practical guidance on addressing issues directly while building trust.

AI-generated applications, deepfakes, and new background check requirements are changing how employers vet candidates, but the stakes remain the same: identifying qualified hires while managing legal and business risk. In this episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, host Jen Rubin is joined by Mintz Associate and employment attorney Joyce Dos Santos to discuss: Common vetting mistakes, from failing to verify credentials to misusing criminal history information Compliance considerations under the FCRA, EEOC guidance, and state and local laws How inadequate or inconsistent screening can create unnecessary enterprise risk Why it’s important to tailor background checks to each position, but at same time ensure individualized assessment of employment candidates Whether you’re an HR professional, in-house counsel, business leader, or board member, this episode offers practical guidance for understanding and implementing effective background check processes and managing legal risk arising from candidate vetting.

Mintz is pleased to share "Disparage Me Not," the latest episode of the Practical Policies podcast. This week’s release features Members Jen Rubin and Natalie Groot discussing non-disparagement clauses, a key topic for employers navigating workplace transitions and using these contractual provisions to mitigate legal and reputational risk. Explore: Why and how non-disparagement clauses protect businesses The legal restrictions on non-disparagement clauses The difference between disparagement vs. defamation Challenges in enforcement Listen for insights on how employers can use non-disparagement provisions effectively, the legal limits on what they can cover, and why setting realistic expectations is critical.

In the latest episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, Member Jen Rubin is joined by Associate Tom Pagliarini to discuss the strategic use of restrictive covenants in private equity transactions. This episode is part of a series of conversations designed to help employers navigate workplace changes and understand general legal considerations. Together, Jen and Tom explore: Understanding restrictive covenants and their common forms Private equity and the role of restrictive covenants Deal structuring and aligning buyer and seller interests Legal enforcement and jurisdictional challenges Practical takeaways for buyers and sellers Listen for insights on how to approach restrictive covenants thoughtfully and strategically in the context of private equity deals.

In this episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, Member Jen Rubin and Crisis Management and Strategic Response Chair Erek L. Barron dive into the world of crisis management and discuss the myriad of considerations a business needs to make in a time of turmoil. This episode is part of a series of conversations designed to help employers navigate workplace changes and understand general legal considerations. Jen and Erek discuss: Understanding how the best way to manage a crisis is to prepare for it. The important as well as detrimental role that communication plays in a crisis. The importance of a “Chief Crisis Officer” and some practical advice on managing the csuite in a crisis. What to do when an internal investigation is complete. Listen for insights on how companies can approach DEI reporting thoughtfully and strategically in this new paradigm.

Mintz’s PBM practice is pleased to present its quarterly publication, PBM Policy and Legislative Update. This edition builds upon prior issues and summarizes activity from January through March (2025) that affects the PBM industry. It highlights (i) federal activities, (ii) state activities, and (iii) other noteworthy events and trends affecting the PBM industry. We hope you find the PBM Policy and Legislative Update to be a useful resource. If you have any recommendations on additional content that would be helpful to see in future editions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team to let us know.